SEMO ALLIANCE FOR DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE (SADI) is a community-based, non-profit, non-residential center for independent living.  The agency is committed to providing services to persons with disabilities to enable them to remain in their own homes and communities, not in an institution. The philosophy behind independent living is that: 

“All persons, regardless of disability, are entitled to and should have equal access to the rights and responsibilities that other citizens are provided; to be as active and productive a member of society as they so choose; thus comes the Independent Living Motto and SADI’s mission of CHOICE, CHANGE AND CONTROL. Control over one’s own life by making choices that in turn, bring about change.”

The services are designed by consumers, for consumers, through surveys and needs assessments done periodically by the center and through networking with other agencies. More than 51 percent of people with disabilities are employed by the center, with the same number serving on the center’s board of directors. The service area is predominantly rural and includes the counties of Perry, Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott and Mississippi. 

Services provided at SADI are

• Independent Living Services, including information and referral, advocacy, peer support and skills training.
• Personal Assistance Services where eligible consumers can receive in-home personal care services. 
• Consumers manage their own care by directing the service themselves.
• Transportation Services whereby any person with a disability needing transportation may participate by becoming a registered rider of SADI.
• Client Assistance Services, a community-based assistance program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities for such things as medication, minor home modifications, rental assistance, utility assistance, transportation, low-cost assistive devices and special shoes.
• SEMO-TECH Assistive Technology Program which offers equipment evaluations, equipment loans and demonstrations of adaptive devices.
• Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach which provides advisement on Social Security work incentives under SSDI and SSI.
• Community Services whereby SADI endeavors to furnish the community-at-large with any service that could help to eliminate negative, stereotypic behavior directed toward all individuals with disabilities.  SADI works with businesses, government officials, clubs and organizations, both public and private towards education and ADA compliance.

THE FIELD EXPERIENCE FOR THE BSW CANDIDATE: 

BSW students who do their field education at SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI) have opportunities to be exposed to a variety of people, situations and settings. Students will also be able to experience social work done at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Some opportunities include:

• Experience working with consumers with various types of disabilities.
• Be responsible for managing a caseload of approximately 15-25 consumers, which includes conducting home visits.
• Learn how to document in-case files.
• Learn the variety of services offered at the center, especially the personal assistance services program.
• Become familiar with and work with other social work agencies.
• Lean how to advocate at the micro and mezzo levels and teach consumers how to self-advocate.
• Participate in fundraisers, staff trainings, conferences and community events

WHAT STUDENTS SAY: 
“It was very helpful to shadow each of the other workers at the agency before I began working on my responsibilities. It helped me understand my place more effectively.”  

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“Before I came to SADI I did not have great deal of experience interacting with people with disabilities. I had always wanted to work in child protective services but I decided I should do something different for my internship just to see what else was out there and to broaden my social work experience. When I was placed at SADI I was excited but really had no idea what I would be doing or even what services the center actually provided to its consumers. During the first couple of days at SADI I was allowed to spend time shadowing every person at the agency to learn about all the different jobs and services that SADI has to offer. All of the social workers and employees were extremely supportive and patient and were always willing to answer my questions. Even though I am still a student I have really been made to feel like I play an important role here and I have been given real responsibilities. I now have my own caseload and take on most of the same responsibilities as the other SADI workers. Now that I have been working with a population of people that I never saw myself interacting with before my field education, I have really learned a lot more about myself and my ability to help others.”

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“SADI is an independent living center that works with people who have physical disabilities who want to stay in their own homes and receive care rather than be placed in an institution. I worked with the Personal Assistance Services (PAS) program. PAS allows consumers to hire their own attendants to care for them in their homes. I worked as a PAS Independent Living Specialist and 8 weeks into the semester I had 20-25 clients. I had two supervisors, my PAS supervisor and the agency supervisor. I could go to either one of them if I had any questions. I found the work at SADI to be interesting and challenging. This Field Education site will prepare you for the real world of social work. The pace here is fast, in spurts. The student has a lot of independence and is instructed to ask for help anytime.” 

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"At SADI the pace was slow at first but then picked up. In doing my home visits I had a lot of supervision by other social workers, at first, but then was given the opportunity to do them on my own. I learned many skills. I also learn to practice many values related to how to treat people with disabilities. The staff is very helpful and willing to work with you. My overall expereince at SADI was great. I would recommend this agency to anyone wanting a great learning experience."

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“Working at SADI has been an eye opening experience.  I have never worked with individuals that have physical disabilities.  This placement has made me realize not to take my life for granted.  It has made me a better person.  I really enjoyed working with the consumers on my caseload.  They all touched my heart in one way or another.”

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"Not a day goes by when something exciting doesn't happen at SADI!  I enjoyed my placement at SADI and enjoyed all the wonderful consumers I met throughout the semester.  All the staff at SADI are excellent people to work with and they never hesitate in helping you when you have a question.  I don't think I could have asked for a better site to do my field education or asked for a better staff to be a part of."

For more information about SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, visit their Web site at:  http://www.sadi.org/

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